Presentation and Management of Cutaneous Manifestations of COVID-19

In a retrospective chart review of 45 patients with positive COVID-19 PCR and/or serology who presented cutaneous manifestations, seven main types of skin manifestations were identified: exanthema/molbilliform, urticaria, papular/pustular/vesicular, petechiae/purpura, livedo reticularis, chilblains, and alopecia. Histopathological analysis from skin biopsies and/or dermoscopy highlighted an inflammatory or vascular pathophysiology depending on the type of manifestation. The first three types of COVID-19 skin manifestations often preceded or coincided with other symptoms such as anosmia, fever, and chills, while chilblains and livedo were found in later disease stages. All cases had a positive resolution with appropriate treatment. The study concluded that cutaneous symptoms are part of the COVID-19 disease spectrum and that early identification, diagnosis, and management through a multidisciplinary approach can facilitate safe disease resolution for patients.